U.S. Travel, Airlines for America and the American Hotel & Lodging Association warn that political gridlock could once again disrupt flights, tourism and businesses across the country.

Washington is facing a new deadline that could directly affect millions of travelers. The U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America (A4A) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) are urging Congress to quickly reconcile separate funding measures approved by the House and Senate and approve a stopgap bill before September 30.

The three major travel industry organizations warned that failure to reach an agreement could trigger another government shutdown, creating uncertainty for travelers, airlines, airports, hotels and tourism-dependent businesses across the United States.

“Congress must finish the job,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel, warning that a shutdown could reverse recent progress across the country's travel system.

The organizations pointed to the consequences of the previous 43-day government shutdown, which disrupted more than 9,000 flights, affected more than six million travelers and generated an estimated $1 billion in weekly losses for the U.S. travel economy.

Airlines and airports could face renewed pressure

A new shutdown would require Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, air traffic controllers and other essential aviation employees to continue working without pay.

The travel industry warns that this could worsen existing staffing pressures and result in longer security lines, flight delays and cancellations.

Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu described another potential shutdown as unacceptable and urged lawmakers to resolve the differences between the House and Senate proposals.

Hotels and tourism also at risk

The AHLA warned that political uncertainty can discourage travel and affect millions of hotel employees and small businesses that depend on tourism.

National parks, museums and other federally operated attractions could also face closures or reduced services, creating additional challenges for destinations and communities that rely heavily on visitors.

The three organizations are calling on Congress to approve a continuing resolution before September 30 while also advancing long-term reforms to guarantee that TSA officers and air traffic controllers continue receiving pay during future funding lapses.

For the U.S. travel industry, the message is clear: avoiding another shutdown is not only a political issue, but also a matter of protecting the country's tourism economy and the millions of people who travel through the United States every year.